AF Week in Photos

  • Published

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10

Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest

Mirror image

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, June 25, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners building interoperability and bolstering the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Nicholas Priest)

1 of 10

Formation over the Caribbean

Formation over the Caribbean

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., flies in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., upon completion of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Defender over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, July 1, 2022. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sena)

2 of 10

Headed to the field

Headed to the field

Basic cadet trainees from the class of 2026 march out to Jacks Valley for field training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 11, 2022. The march out to the Jacks Valley 3,300-acre training complex for phase two of basic cadet training is a time-honored tradition, and includes senior leadership, faculty, as well as graduates of the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

3 of 10

Sitting pretty

Sitting pretty

A B-52H Stratofortress sits on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 7, 2022. The B-52H can achieve speeds up to 650 mph and cover an 8,800 mile operating range, giving the U.S. and its allies unique fighting capabilities and flexibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

4 of 10

Playing with fire

Playing with fire

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Branagan Glennen, 31st Maintenance Squadron metals technician craftsman, welds a piece of metal at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 6, 2022. The metals tech mission is to support Aviano AB’s various agencies and their missions by fabricating and welding equipment and parts as the needs arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

5 of 10

Leaping into leadership

Leaping into leadership

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 cadets take to the Outdoor Leadership Complex, a 100-foot tower, to face challenges both individually and as a team at the USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 5, 2022. The OLC replaces the ropes challenge course and is one of the tools used by the Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development to develop teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)

6 of 10

Powering HEXA

Powering HEXA

Brad Bollig, a LIFT team member, secures a battery to one of the Hexa’s motors, July 6, 2022, before its first flight at a military airfield at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 7, 2022. The electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which used 18 motors and propellors, flew for approximately 10 minutes and reached a height of about 50 feet with the Hexa team operating it via remote control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

7 of 10

OBC's final flight

OBC's final flight

Lt. Col. Ralph Shoukry greets the audience before the Optical Bar Camera's final flight out of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., June 24, 2022. Although the OBC will no longer reside at Beale, U-2 Lady Dragon pilots will retain the knowledge and skills to employ the sensor through a variety of mission sets and operation locations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colville McFee)

8 of 10

Ceremonial spray

Ceremonial spray

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, the 152nd Airlift Wing chief of safety and a C-130 Hercules navigator, is sprayed with a fire hose and champagne by family and friends after flying his final flight with the Nevada Air National Guard in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Spraying aircrew with fire hoses and champagne is a tradition that celebrates an aircrew member’s final flight with their unit or on a certain aircraft frame. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Thomas Cox)

9 of 10

TAAR time

TAAR time

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey and MC-130J Commando II conduct a tiltrotor air-to-air refueling exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. TAAR utilizes the Osprey’s tiltrotor capabilities, combining vertical flight qualities with fuel efficiency and speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gary Hilton)

10 of 10